Carlos Zambrano didn’t let a broken down bus slow him down in his 3rd spring start against the Rockies in windy Hi Corbett Field. Zambrano scattered 5 hits over 4 innings, allowing just 1 earned run to score. He didn’t strike out any batters, but he didn’t walk any either. That is the key to an “in-control” Zambrano.

Zambrano has shown a lot of poise and maturity thus far this spring. Despite giving up 5 runs in 3 innings in his previous start, he didn’t let him get him down. Big Z seems to understand that this is just spring training and that there is plenty of time to work on certain pitches and situations in order to get ready for the regular season. He had this to say about the start – “It’s just like Maddux used to say, it’s better to have movement than velocity. Don’t get me wrong, velocity is good at this level. When you locate your fastball, it’s good. My sinker was good — great today. I was able to command my pitches and get out of some situations.” Zambrano didn’t lose focus after the broken down bus situation or the crazy wind patterns that seemed to change every minute during the game. He kept his team in the game for the 1st 4 innings and he looks like he is ready to pitch more consistently for the Cubs in 2010.

Couple of other positive notes – Ryan Theriot had a single and a run scored at the lead-off spot and he is now hitting .550 during the spring. Tyler Colvin also continued his hot hitting going 2 for 4 with an RBI. He is hitting .517 this spring and his consistent performance is earning the praises of Manager Lou Pinella and GM Jim Hendry. We might even see Colvin make the squad as the team’s 5th outfielder behind Xavier Nady when the Cubs open up at Wrigley Field in April.